Peyton Manning’s Son, Marshall Manning, Benched To Begin High School Career

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Peyton Manning’s son will begin his high school football career in a role different from what many expected.

Marshall Manning was not named Baylor School’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Instead, the highly regarded freshman will open the year as the team’s backup.

The decision stands out because of the Manning family’s football legacy. However, it is far from unusual for a true freshman to begin behind an older quarterback, especially at one of Tennessee’s top programs.

Fans have followed Marshall’s development closely. Earlier this year, many even compared his throwing mechanics to his father’s after video footage went viral. 

Baylor Coach Explains Marshall Manning Decision

Baylor head coach Erik Kimrey has addressed his quarterback situation heading into 2026. 

“Marshall Manning is our backup quarterback this year,” he said on the ‘Villamarzos Voice’ podcast. “He’ll be a freshman. So, we’re excited about him.”

Baylor enters the season as the defending state champion after capturing its third state title last year. Marshall was still an eighth grader during that championship run.

His cousin, Arch Manning, followed a different path. Arch became Isidore Newman’s first true freshman starting quarterback in four decades before eventually signing with Texas.

Marshall remains one of the country’s most talked-about young quarterback prospects. He has already drawn attention from major college programs, and his highlight videos regularly circulate on social media.

His first opportunity may not come immediately. However, plenty of eyes will be watching whenever Baylor calls his number.